Nerve pain, or neuralgia , is caused by a change in the structure or function of one or more nerves. Changes to the nerves can occur as the result of nerve damage and injury, diseases that affect the nervous system, swelling, or nerve compression.
Although nerve pain can affect many different parts of the body, it is most common in the back and neck. This is because the spinal cord is the primary component of the body’s central nervous system and conveys signals from the brain to nerves throughout the body.
Nerve pain can affect individuals in various ways, but it is typically experienced as pain at the site of nerve compression, usually on the spine, or as pain that radiates along the irritated nerve. Treatments that address nerve pain will depend on the source of nerve damage or compression and can range from conservative care and non-surgical approaches to invasive surgical procedures.
Types of Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is a common cause of acute and chronic pain that can occur as the result of injuries or degenerative spinal conditions often caused by the natural effects of aging, such as lumbar spinal stenosis.
Pain affecting either the site of nerve compression or pain that radiates to other parts of the body can occur in the following areas:
Cervical spine – neck and upper back
Thoracic spine – midline of the back
Lumbar spine – lower back
Sacral spine – pelvis
Nerve compression in these areas can also cause pain in other body parts, including the arms and legs. The location of this nerve damage will influence the types of symptoms that can occur and treatments.
Treating Symptoms and Underlying Causes
Determining the underlying cause of your pain is essential in determining the available treatment options that can be used to reduce symptoms. By conducting thorough evaluations, which may include various types of diagnostic tests, our team can establish the origin of your pain and the various treatments we can use to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In many cases, we try to use conservative care as much as possible, including physical therapy. If your pain does not respond to such treatment, we can pursue other innovative, non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments performed in an outpatient setting.
Both acute and chronic nerve pain can negatively impact your quality of life. In our efforts to provide you with relief, our team explores all of the available treatments, including advanced non-surgical approaches, to safely and effectively address and alleviate your pain. Equipped with the ability to provide cutting-edge care and the specializations of Dr. Zurkan, Bay Area Chiropractic delivers the high-quality service and genuine compassion you need to enjoy a pain-free life. Contact a Bay Area Chiropractic to learn more about your condition and your available treatment options.
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